Brilliance, determination, and perseverance were on full display as the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, in partnership with the National Council of External Examinations, hosted the highly anticipated National Academic Awards Ceremony at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort. The event, held under the theme “Surmounting the Obstacles in a Challenging Environment,” shone a spotlight on the nation’s most outstanding academic achievers.
The ceremony recognised the hard work and accomplishments of students who excelled in their external examinations. From exceptional subject passes to stellar performances in specific disciplines, students were awarded across five categories, each highlighting excellence in various areas of academic achievement:
- Presentation 1: Students who passed 5 to 9 subjects and 10 or more subjects.
- Presentation 2: Students with passes in English Language and Mathematics at General 1s/2s or Grades A/B.
- Presentation 3: Best Performing Students in specific disciplines such as Business, Science, Hospitality, Humanities, Foreign Languages, and those on the Regional Merit List.
- Presentation 4: Students who attained 5 or more General 1s or A’s in a single sitting.
- Presentation 5: The Top Performing IGCSE and CSEC students.
The ceremony’s highlight came with the announcement of the Top National Scholars:
- 1st Place: Dayanna Pratt – Wesley Methodist High School – 13 passes
- 2nd Place: Tishana Williams – H J Robinson High School – 9 passes
These elite students have earned more than just accolades, they have qualified for Government Scholarships, exclusively awarded to outstanding Turks and Caicos Islanders pursuing tertiary education.
The Local Registrar’s Award was proudly presented to Johnathan Daniel of Maranatha High School.
Other standout awards included:
- Best Performing Student in Humanities: Elinor Robinson – Precious Treasures International School
- Best Performing Technical Vocational Student: J’Annah Gardiner – Clement Howell High School
- Best Performing Business Students: Tishana Williams (H J Robinson High School) and Dayanna Pratt (Wesley Methodist High School)
- Best Performing Science Students: Antwan Butler, Ludjena Sidelus (Clement Howell High School), Sherian Parry (H J Robinson High School), Shaurya Vyas (British West Indies Collegiate), Johnathan Daniel (Maranatha High School)
- Best Performing Hospitality Student: Edson Victor – Clement Howell High School
- Best Performing Prevocational Student: Stainless Soriano – Clement Howell High School
During her address, Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, delivered a heartfelt and motivational message to the awardees:
“Today we celebrate not only your academic brilliance but also your resilience. You have risen above challenges and demonstrated what is possible through hard work and vision. As you now set your sights on higher education, I urge each of you to aim even higher—to return home and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. You are the future engineers, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs, and leaders we are counting on. Keep striving. Keep dreaming. The nation is behind you.”
The National Academic Awards Ceremony was a resounding celebration of success and potential. It reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to investing in human capital and empowering young people to build a stronger, smarter, and more resilient Turks and Caicos.
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